For people who are going through a divorce in Florida, there are some options available about how the process moves forward. One of these options is for the soon-to-be exes to go through divorce mediation. This option can be requested by the couple or it can be ordered by the court presiding over the case.
What is divorce mediation?
Mediation is a process that allows the spouses to work together to come up with the terms of their divorce. It is done through open and honest communication between the parties. A certified mediator helps the spouses to work through various aspects of divorce without putting pressure on either party to enter into a specific agreement. Each party can have an attorney present throughout the mediation process.
Is divorce mediation expensive?
Florida statutes have established the costs of divorce mediation based on the combined income of the parties. A reduced rate is available for any couple making less than $100,000 per year, but couples making that amount or more have to pay a private mediator. As of this post, parties who make less than $50,000 per year combined must each pay $60 per mediation session. Parties who make $50,000 to $99,999.99 must each pay $120 per session.
Are the sessions public record?
Mediation sessions and terms are private. There are some exceptions to that privacy, so seeking the assistance of a qualified professional who can help you learn what aspects might be made public is vital. The privacy of mediation, especially when it comes to financial aspects of the divorce like alimony or property division, is something that might appeal to some people.
Source: First Judicial Circuit of Florida, “Family Law Mediation” Oct. 29, 2014
